First of all, sorry for my lateness is posting this - I've had a busy week involving me joining my mid-twenties (first thing my mum said to me on the day) and also having my phone robbed in a club - I've spent most of my time since in the O2 shop sorting my life out (they have been great fyi - even made me a brew on one of my trips in store). I've been trying to write a review the day after I've seen a film, but I saw Kong on Thursday night, and it's now half ten on Tuesday, so I feel this review may be different to my previous posts. I've really had time to mull over the film and think about it. In this case, I don't think it's done the film any favours.
As you can probably already guess, I've not seen any other King Kong films (a film pre-2015 and also unrealistic) so this was my first taste of what I like to think would have been Harambe's starring role (sorry I realise Harambe is v 2016, but yes, I do have irritating LAD sense of humour). The story was quick paced, simple, and easy to follow. We had 3D and DBOX (treats) for this film, and I think it worked pretty well. There was enough action, and there were also things like helicopter rides which I think DBOX suited really well.
The story follows some big named actors, as they try to work out if there really is a monster living on Skull Island. The bill includes superstars like Samuel L Jackson, Brie Larson, John Goodman, John C. Reilly and Tom Hiddleston, and if you're a telly fan, there's also Toby Kebbell who starred in a great episode of Black Mirror in 2011 (side note- if you haven't watched Black Mirror yet, get on Netflix). Kong is such a big budget movie, with such a great billing, but unfortunately, I don't think it quite hit the mark.
I don't think the storyline was captivating enough, and I think maybe there were too many characters- you don't learn enough about each of them, and you don't become attached to them either. There wasn't any interesting friendships or relationships, and even rivalries that occur from a split in the group don't leave you particularly excited or attached to any of the characters. When I saw John C. Reilly was cast in the film, I thought he would be hilarious, but I think his script fell a little short of the mark.
I did quite enjoy the cinematography, and enjoyed the way the monsters on the island were created. I found it imaginative, and interesting, and I was intrigued to see which giant animal we would see next. Again, I think this worked really well with the DBOX, and I did think it made the film fun. There is no doubt that the film is an easy watch, and I did find parts playful and exciting, but as a whole, there are much better options out there - Jurassic World, for example.
When I initially left the cinema I gave the film a 7/10. It was pretty inoffensive, has a great cast list, but it's nothing to shout home about. After having time to think more about it, I think I can only give it 6.5/10. The plot isn't very memorable, and it's not been something that's made me think about anything differently, and it's not played on my mind during the week. As you probably know, I do like a film with a good message, or that gives me something to mull over, and this isn't that.
Tuesday, 14 March 2017
Saturday, 4 March 2017
13. Fences
I went into Fences feeling like I was going to love it. I knew Viola Davis had won the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress, and had heard good things.
Fences follows the story of Troy (Denzel Washington) as he raises his perhaps unconventional family in the fifties. He dreamed of being a baseball player, but was told he was too old by the time People of Colour were able to play professionally. At the beginning of our story, he's working as a refuse collector, aspiring to become the driver.
The story is based around the interactions of Troy with his wife Rose (Viola Davis), friend Bono (Stephen Henderson) and children (Jovan Adepo & Russell Hornsby). As much as I like a thriller, or a psychological film, I'm also partial to a film with less action, and more character development. Watching this film was interesting, as actually I really started to detest Washington's character, and felt real empathy for Rose.
There's no doubt that Viola Davis deserved an Oscar for her performance in Fences, she truly was fabulous, and you really felt and understood how the emotions her character was feeling. Her speech, shown in the trailer, is incredible, and you really start to feel how it must be, to be in her shoes. I think Denzel Washington did a great job as Troy as well, we learn about Troy's nasty side, and as I mentioned before, I really started to dislike him, but you still can have see how the past, and how being discriminated against, has affected his behaviour.
Somehow, the plot doesn't quite do it for me. Despite the brilliant acting performances throughout, I wasn't quite as hooked or emotionally invested in this film as I wanted to be. The film is long and has a slow pace, and sometimes is not so good at explaining things. Without ruining the film, there were a couple of places where I thought I was following the dialogue but then felt I had to guess an event that had happened, or work out what was trying to be said. I feel like the film could be improved perhaps, by using flashbacks or something similar, to help really get into the mind of Troy, and to help us see the real story.
Overall, I wasn't as impressed with this film as I thought I was going to be. The talents of the actors involved is there for us all to see, but I think the film could have given more in terms of the plot, and I think it could also have asked more questions. I didn't come out of the film feeling inspired, or shocked, and I didn't even cry, which as you may have seen, is often a theme of a good film in my book. I'd give Fences a 7/10, a slow moving and long film, redeemed by the acting skill.
Fences follows the story of Troy (Denzel Washington) as he raises his perhaps unconventional family in the fifties. He dreamed of being a baseball player, but was told he was too old by the time People of Colour were able to play professionally. At the beginning of our story, he's working as a refuse collector, aspiring to become the driver.
The story is based around the interactions of Troy with his wife Rose (Viola Davis), friend Bono (Stephen Henderson) and children (Jovan Adepo & Russell Hornsby). As much as I like a thriller, or a psychological film, I'm also partial to a film with less action, and more character development. Watching this film was interesting, as actually I really started to detest Washington's character, and felt real empathy for Rose.
There's no doubt that Viola Davis deserved an Oscar for her performance in Fences, she truly was fabulous, and you really felt and understood how the emotions her character was feeling. Her speech, shown in the trailer, is incredible, and you really start to feel how it must be, to be in her shoes. I think Denzel Washington did a great job as Troy as well, we learn about Troy's nasty side, and as I mentioned before, I really started to dislike him, but you still can have see how the past, and how being discriminated against, has affected his behaviour.
Somehow, the plot doesn't quite do it for me. Despite the brilliant acting performances throughout, I wasn't quite as hooked or emotionally invested in this film as I wanted to be. The film is long and has a slow pace, and sometimes is not so good at explaining things. Without ruining the film, there were a couple of places where I thought I was following the dialogue but then felt I had to guess an event that had happened, or work out what was trying to be said. I feel like the film could be improved perhaps, by using flashbacks or something similar, to help really get into the mind of Troy, and to help us see the real story.
Overall, I wasn't as impressed with this film as I thought I was going to be. The talents of the actors involved is there for us all to see, but I think the film could have given more in terms of the plot, and I think it could also have asked more questions. I didn't come out of the film feeling inspired, or shocked, and I didn't even cry, which as you may have seen, is often a theme of a good film in my book. I'd give Fences a 7/10, a slow moving and long film, redeemed by the acting skill.
Wednesday, 1 March 2017
12. A Cure for Wellness
When I first saw the trailer for A Cure for Wellness I was excited. It seemed like a modern film with an interesting concept, and you may know by now that I love anything psychological, and I also enjoy a horror/thriller type movie; something exciting and progressive.
From the title and the trailer, I was expecting the film to ask some interesting questions. Part of the trailer starts to question what is 'being well'. In one part of the film (don't worry not a spoiler) a character asks another 'you say you're well but what is well, when was the last time you had 8 hours uninterrupted sleep?'. I think this is a really interesting point. What is well? What is 'normal'? A lot of the time the perfect life we strive for may be unattainable. I feel like I am well, but I will always feel anxious about some things, I will always have body parts that I am unhappy with, I will always be hurt by some comments, and I will never have a regular 8 hour sleep. But does that make me unwell?
That is the question I wanted this film to use as a discussion point.
It did not.
The film is set in the heart of the Swiss Alps, in an old building that is now being used as a hospital, helping people become well via some rather abstract treatments, also including some lovely looking sauna/steam room pods, lying in a giant vat of water, and playing crochet. Our main character Lockhart (Dane DeHaan), is sent to this wellness retreat to bring back his boss Pembroke (Harry Groener), to sign something off for some big business merger or something like that. Upon entering the institute, Lockhart is told no one ever leaves (why would you?) and that's when all this creepy nonsense kicks off. Jason Isaacs plays Volmer, the main doctor in charge of treatment, and we also meet Hannah (Mia Goth), Volmer's special patient, who is much younger than the rest of the clientele.
From here we come face to face with nightmares like losing teeth, walking around with no shoes on, getting your period in a weird place, eels, and incest amongst other things. There is so much packed in, that I started to think it just got a bit overwhelming and boring, it felt like things were added to the plot for the sake of it. Sometimes simplicity is key. With all these bizarre plot lines, weird irrelevant questions start being asked, and sometimes the answer isn't satisfactory or ever given. For example, at one point in the film there are lots of shots of this Mac lipstick - I thought it was something to do with the plot but I'm not so sure now. I was trying to work out the shade (I think it's Russian Red FYI), but why was it in the film? Has Mac done an advertising deal with them? We'll never know. If this plot line was addressed, I apologise, but the whole thing was so dragged out and long, and the ending so wild that it's easy to miss.
As a side note I think it was quite sexualised in a weird way too, even in scenes where men and women were naked suspended in water (see: poster), all the lads have got pants on and the lasses are starkers - I feel like nudity was just added in so they could call it an 18 and it may sell more tickets.
I feel like I've been chatting for ages now.
The film was interesting in parts, and the main plot line was quite captivating. I didn't find it particularly scary, or jumpy, and when I left, the person behind me said 'I'm not sure what to make of it', and that's how I felt. I did make it through all 2hrs 26 mins, which means it can't of been completely boring, but I'd give it 5/10 at a stretch. I have seen worst films but I can think of lots more things I can do with 2.5 hours.
From the title and the trailer, I was expecting the film to ask some interesting questions. Part of the trailer starts to question what is 'being well'. In one part of the film (don't worry not a spoiler) a character asks another 'you say you're well but what is well, when was the last time you had 8 hours uninterrupted sleep?'. I think this is a really interesting point. What is well? What is 'normal'? A lot of the time the perfect life we strive for may be unattainable. I feel like I am well, but I will always feel anxious about some things, I will always have body parts that I am unhappy with, I will always be hurt by some comments, and I will never have a regular 8 hour sleep. But does that make me unwell?
That is the question I wanted this film to use as a discussion point.
It did not.
The film is set in the heart of the Swiss Alps, in an old building that is now being used as a hospital, helping people become well via some rather abstract treatments, also including some lovely looking sauna/steam room pods, lying in a giant vat of water, and playing crochet. Our main character Lockhart (Dane DeHaan), is sent to this wellness retreat to bring back his boss Pembroke (Harry Groener), to sign something off for some big business merger or something like that. Upon entering the institute, Lockhart is told no one ever leaves (why would you?) and that's when all this creepy nonsense kicks off. Jason Isaacs plays Volmer, the main doctor in charge of treatment, and we also meet Hannah (Mia Goth), Volmer's special patient, who is much younger than the rest of the clientele.
From here we come face to face with nightmares like losing teeth, walking around with no shoes on, getting your period in a weird place, eels, and incest amongst other things. There is so much packed in, that I started to think it just got a bit overwhelming and boring, it felt like things were added to the plot for the sake of it. Sometimes simplicity is key. With all these bizarre plot lines, weird irrelevant questions start being asked, and sometimes the answer isn't satisfactory or ever given. For example, at one point in the film there are lots of shots of this Mac lipstick - I thought it was something to do with the plot but I'm not so sure now. I was trying to work out the shade (I think it's Russian Red FYI), but why was it in the film? Has Mac done an advertising deal with them? We'll never know. If this plot line was addressed, I apologise, but the whole thing was so dragged out and long, and the ending so wild that it's easy to miss.
As a side note I think it was quite sexualised in a weird way too, even in scenes where men and women were naked suspended in water (see: poster), all the lads have got pants on and the lasses are starkers - I feel like nudity was just added in so they could call it an 18 and it may sell more tickets.
I feel like I've been chatting for ages now.
The film was interesting in parts, and the main plot line was quite captivating. I didn't find it particularly scary, or jumpy, and when I left, the person behind me said 'I'm not sure what to make of it', and that's how I felt. I did make it through all 2hrs 26 mins, which means it can't of been completely boring, but I'd give it 5/10 at a stretch. I have seen worst films but I can think of lots more things I can do with 2.5 hours.
Sunday, 26 February 2017
11. Hidden Figures
Is it just me, or are there a lot of films based on true stories nowadays? Hidden Figures is based on the lives of African-American women working for NASA in the sixties. The story follows Katherine, (Taraji P. Henson), a maths genius, Mary, (Janelle Monae), an aspiring engineer, and Dorothy, (Octavia Spencer), acting department supervisor who isn't getting any credit.
I found the story captivating and hard hitting. The fact this is based on a true story, illustrating that not so long ago women and people of colour were so badly discriminated against. Katherine has to do a mile round trip out in the elements just for a wee, knocking time out of her day, meaning she actually does work on the loo! I'm not suggesting that we live in a non-discriminatory world today, or that these problems are abolished completely, but I did find it enlightening to see the blatancy of the racism people experienced.
The department that our main characters work in at the start of the film is 'coloured computers'. The women can calculate ridiculous equations by hand, and quickly too. It's astounding to think that it was calculations done in people's heads that essentially propelled us into space. It's even more admiral that the people that came up with these equations were being disgustingly discriminated against at the time.
Throughout my life, I have been a fan of having a motto. More recently these mottos have been 'I'm (Insert Age Here), I do what I want', 'Everything is Corrupt' and my personal favourite 'Science is Bullshit'. If we just focus on the last phrase there, this film speaks to me on a level. Science is moving so fast that something we know as a proven fact today, could be the complete opposite tomorrow. Maths however is always constant, and that's why I like it. This movie illustrates this so well, and Katherine campaigns to be in the meetings with the big dogs so she can use her badass maths to send a geezer to space.
I love the way all of our three main characters are all defiant and all campaign for there rights and their knowledge wins against the rules of society, and with this they are all rewarded with success. I found the film so inspiring, and for a film about space (see my first review of the year), and maths, it was really interesting and exciting! I also liked the fact that the title was a meaningful pun. This film definitely deserves an 8.5/10; a must watch for anyone interested in human rights, justice, space, science and maths!
I found the story captivating and hard hitting. The fact this is based on a true story, illustrating that not so long ago women and people of colour were so badly discriminated against. Katherine has to do a mile round trip out in the elements just for a wee, knocking time out of her day, meaning she actually does work on the loo! I'm not suggesting that we live in a non-discriminatory world today, or that these problems are abolished completely, but I did find it enlightening to see the blatancy of the racism people experienced.
The department that our main characters work in at the start of the film is 'coloured computers'. The women can calculate ridiculous equations by hand, and quickly too. It's astounding to think that it was calculations done in people's heads that essentially propelled us into space. It's even more admiral that the people that came up with these equations were being disgustingly discriminated against at the time.
Throughout my life, I have been a fan of having a motto. More recently these mottos have been 'I'm (Insert Age Here), I do what I want', 'Everything is Corrupt' and my personal favourite 'Science is Bullshit'. If we just focus on the last phrase there, this film speaks to me on a level. Science is moving so fast that something we know as a proven fact today, could be the complete opposite tomorrow. Maths however is always constant, and that's why I like it. This movie illustrates this so well, and Katherine campaigns to be in the meetings with the big dogs so she can use her badass maths to send a geezer to space.
I love the way all of our three main characters are all defiant and all campaign for there rights and their knowledge wins against the rules of society, and with this they are all rewarded with success. I found the film so inspiring, and for a film about space (see my first review of the year), and maths, it was really interesting and exciting! I also liked the fact that the title was a meaningful pun. This film definitely deserves an 8.5/10; a must watch for anyone interested in human rights, justice, space, science and maths!
Saturday, 18 February 2017
10. The Lego Batman Movie
For someone who likes a true life story, something realistic, and is obsessed with documentaries, you may be surprised to know that I LOVE Batman, and I also love Lego, and The Lego Movie. So the combination of Lego and Batman is a hit already with me.
I'm fascinated just thinking how they produced this film; it's fun, colourful, and full of nostalgia. I saw the film in the evening, and the cinema was full of grown-ups, but this film is great for little ones, and I really do think it's a film all the family can enjoy. Again, the story has a good solid moral, which you'll know by now, I enjoy, so kids can take something from it as well.
It's got a good storyline, slightly obvious in parts, but fun all the same, and there are lots of Lego cameos from some of our favourite villains throughout the ages - special shout out the Voldemort (Eddie Izzard), who I thought was hilarious. There were some parts where I was completely doubled over laughing, however, I also did this during The Revenant, so I'm not sure I'm a good test on what is funny and what is not.
Another thing I really enjoyed about the film was the music. A running Michael Jackson joke throughout, lots of power ballads and classics, it really was great. I think it adds to the playfulness of the film, along with adding the to nostalgia factor. This is another thing that I think makes this film work for all ages, and I do think it can be enjoyable for adults.
Unfortunately for me, this film didn't quite hit the mark. It wasn't as good as any Batman film I've seen, and it wasn't as good as The Lego Movie. I left the cinema feeling great and happy, and I do feel like the film was charming and lighthearted and filled with laughs, but I don't think it was overly memorable. It's a film with lots of big names - Ralph Fiennes, Michael Cera, Zach Galifianakis, and Rosario Dawson and Will Arnett (who I've not heard of before but IMdb tells me they're great), but I think it could have been better. I can't put my finger on if it could have been a better story line, more jokes, or more character development, but it wasn't the best animation I've seen. It did it's job, and if you want to watch a feel good film for an hour and a half you won't be disappointed, but there are other films out there, like Zootropolis, that will give you that and much much more.
Because I did leave the cinema feeling great, I had laughed and I did enjoy myself, I give The Lego Batman Movie a 7/10. Not the best animation, but not the worst by any stretch of the imagination. If you've got kids tugging at your sleeves wanting to go, I think you'd enjoy it, and it serves it's purpose, but it's not the most memorable film of the year.
I'm fascinated just thinking how they produced this film; it's fun, colourful, and full of nostalgia. I saw the film in the evening, and the cinema was full of grown-ups, but this film is great for little ones, and I really do think it's a film all the family can enjoy. Again, the story has a good solid moral, which you'll know by now, I enjoy, so kids can take something from it as well.
It's got a good storyline, slightly obvious in parts, but fun all the same, and there are lots of Lego cameos from some of our favourite villains throughout the ages - special shout out the Voldemort (Eddie Izzard), who I thought was hilarious. There were some parts where I was completely doubled over laughing, however, I also did this during The Revenant, so I'm not sure I'm a good test on what is funny and what is not.
Another thing I really enjoyed about the film was the music. A running Michael Jackson joke throughout, lots of power ballads and classics, it really was great. I think it adds to the playfulness of the film, along with adding the to nostalgia factor. This is another thing that I think makes this film work for all ages, and I do think it can be enjoyable for adults.
Unfortunately for me, this film didn't quite hit the mark. It wasn't as good as any Batman film I've seen, and it wasn't as good as The Lego Movie. I left the cinema feeling great and happy, and I do feel like the film was charming and lighthearted and filled with laughs, but I don't think it was overly memorable. It's a film with lots of big names - Ralph Fiennes, Michael Cera, Zach Galifianakis, and Rosario Dawson and Will Arnett (who I've not heard of before but IMdb tells me they're great), but I think it could have been better. I can't put my finger on if it could have been a better story line, more jokes, or more character development, but it wasn't the best animation I've seen. It did it's job, and if you want to watch a feel good film for an hour and a half you won't be disappointed, but there are other films out there, like Zootropolis, that will give you that and much much more.
Because I did leave the cinema feeling great, I had laughed and I did enjoy myself, I give The Lego Batman Movie a 7/10. Not the best animation, but not the worst by any stretch of the imagination. If you've got kids tugging at your sleeves wanting to go, I think you'd enjoy it, and it serves it's purpose, but it's not the most memorable film of the year.
Saturday, 11 February 2017
9. Hacksaw Ridge
As you may already know, I do love a film based on a true story. I'd seen the advert for Hacksaw Ridge, and thought it looked interesting, but war and fighting and armies and what-not are not my favourite. However, this story follows a pacifist who joins the army, so from the offset I'm liking the morals!
The story follows Desmond Doss (Andrew Garfield), as he joins the army to become a medic. To gain this qualification, he needs to pass all his basic training, including shooting with a rifle. This task is particularly difficult for Doss, as he refuses to touch a gun. The rest of the troop now no longer trust him to save him in the battle field, and he is subject to abuse. Alongside this, Doss is planning a marriage to Dorothy (Teresa Palmer) so you could say he'd got a lot on.
I found the story interesting, although cheesy in parts, and liked the fact that it drew on the parts of Doss' (Andrew Garfield) childhood, and found the flashbacks really effective in the storytelling, and in empathising with the character. I also really loved the humour in the film, Vince Vaughn is hilarious as Sergeant Howell, and there were lots of 'laugh out loud' moments in the film which I wasn't expecting. At the end, we see some real life footage, and illustrating that there was jokes and fun, even in such a bleak situation, which I found heartwarming.
Up to here, it all sounds glowing, and that's to be assumed as this is another of our Oscar nominated films. However, there were some bits about this film that weren't for me. At one point there is a battle scene for about 20 minutes with no particular plot, and there isn't even an interesting tactic which either side of the war are using. It's just a scene of fighting and gruesome gore, but neither of those things excite me. In my head, I'm very aware that the gore is all fake, so no matter how realistic it is, I'm quite desensitised. In fact, I flinched more in an earlier scene where Doss was having his blood taken (and I give blood myself!). I also find fighting and violence really boring, so it was not the one for me. In a later battle scene, it was really exciting and there was a real threat and use of intelligence and innovation to evade the enemy, which I did enjoy, but I feel like the first scene was unnecessary. However I do get that that is something people enjoy, so if you're into all that, you'll like it.
The other thing I didn't like about this film was the length. I felt like I'd been sat in my chair for days and I think the story could be told just as effectively in 1hr 50, as opposed to 2hr 20. We're almost getting into Wolf of Wall Street territory (although I did love that film).
Overall, I enjoyed Hacksaw Ridge, but I wouldn't be throwing it any Oscars. The romance was cheesy, the violence was mindless, but there was a good and interesting story buried beneath it all. I'd give it a 7/10, but if you're into war and battles and fighting, you'll probably love it.
The story follows Desmond Doss (Andrew Garfield), as he joins the army to become a medic. To gain this qualification, he needs to pass all his basic training, including shooting with a rifle. This task is particularly difficult for Doss, as he refuses to touch a gun. The rest of the troop now no longer trust him to save him in the battle field, and he is subject to abuse. Alongside this, Doss is planning a marriage to Dorothy (Teresa Palmer) so you could say he'd got a lot on.
I found the story interesting, although cheesy in parts, and liked the fact that it drew on the parts of Doss' (Andrew Garfield) childhood, and found the flashbacks really effective in the storytelling, and in empathising with the character. I also really loved the humour in the film, Vince Vaughn is hilarious as Sergeant Howell, and there were lots of 'laugh out loud' moments in the film which I wasn't expecting. At the end, we see some real life footage, and illustrating that there was jokes and fun, even in such a bleak situation, which I found heartwarming.
Up to here, it all sounds glowing, and that's to be assumed as this is another of our Oscar nominated films. However, there were some bits about this film that weren't for me. At one point there is a battle scene for about 20 minutes with no particular plot, and there isn't even an interesting tactic which either side of the war are using. It's just a scene of fighting and gruesome gore, but neither of those things excite me. In my head, I'm very aware that the gore is all fake, so no matter how realistic it is, I'm quite desensitised. In fact, I flinched more in an earlier scene where Doss was having his blood taken (and I give blood myself!). I also find fighting and violence really boring, so it was not the one for me. In a later battle scene, it was really exciting and there was a real threat and use of intelligence and innovation to evade the enemy, which I did enjoy, but I feel like the first scene was unnecessary. However I do get that that is something people enjoy, so if you're into all that, you'll like it.
The other thing I didn't like about this film was the length. I felt like I'd been sat in my chair for days and I think the story could be told just as effectively in 1hr 50, as opposed to 2hr 20. We're almost getting into Wolf of Wall Street territory (although I did love that film).
Overall, I enjoyed Hacksaw Ridge, but I wouldn't be throwing it any Oscars. The romance was cheesy, the violence was mindless, but there was a good and interesting story buried beneath it all. I'd give it a 7/10, but if you're into war and battles and fighting, you'll probably love it.
Friday, 3 February 2017
8. T2 Trainspotting
Let's start with the truth. I watched the original Trainspotting for the first time a couple of weeks ago, purely in prep for T2. I loved it. I found it dark, funny, and actually really current, despite the fact it's 20 years old. If you've not seen it before, I would completely recommend. The plot is compelling, you get to know the endearing characters through great storytelling, it will make you laugh and it will make you cry. It's truly great, and we've not even started on the soundtrack. There is know doubt that Danny Boyle is a genius (but we knew this already didn't we).
T2 Trainspotting is a more humorous, less dark, and less druggy version of the original Trainspotting. Ewan McGregor, Ewen Bremner, Johnny Lee Miller & Robert Carlyle are all fantastic, and I think Boyle was clever to catch up with the boys 20 years later, as we are when we're watching the film. The character development is believable, and they must have all had a great time on set.
As I mentioned, this film is more light-hearted than the last, with more humour, but that doesn't mean there is less drama. The film is still exciting, and yet again, we see Renton and Sick Boy on a money making plot, alongside Begbie hearing about Renton's return, and not being happy. I love Spud's character, and again he is sweet and lovable despite his addiction problems.
The film is filled with flashbacks to the original, and I feel it's imperative to have seen Trainspotting first, as the old footage is so powerful in the storytelling. Again Boyle's use of this footage is a brilliant tool in the making of the film. The footage also helps with realising where the characters are now, and why they may act in certain ways. There are also scenes where the psychedelic way they are filmed just adds so much to the story; not least in the final clip. This film is a credit to him.
The film also introduces a female lead, Veronika, played by Anjela Nedyalkova. I loved her addition to the story, and also I loved the presence of a female in her role, and the sense of justice (NO SPOILERS!). Alongside this, I liked the answers the film gave (NO SPOILERS!).
I feel like the original film was more revolutionary, and as I mentioned, when I watched it the other week, it felt so relevant and current, which I feel this new film may lack slightly. However, the humour it brings is great, alongside the new soundtrack (which had a lot to live up to). The introduction of Born Slippy is so powerful in the scenes where it is used, and I also really appreciated the use of local artists, like Young Fathers, and the support the film has given them.
Overall, T2 Trainspotting doesn't quite hit the mark of it's predecessor, but that doesn't mean by any stretch of the imagination that it's a bad film. For me, the film is a solid 8.5/10, a great watch for those who love the original, but this time with a little comic relief added to every grim situation, alongside the classic whiff of nostalgia.
T2 Trainspotting is a more humorous, less dark, and less druggy version of the original Trainspotting. Ewan McGregor, Ewen Bremner, Johnny Lee Miller & Robert Carlyle are all fantastic, and I think Boyle was clever to catch up with the boys 20 years later, as we are when we're watching the film. The character development is believable, and they must have all had a great time on set.
As I mentioned, this film is more light-hearted than the last, with more humour, but that doesn't mean there is less drama. The film is still exciting, and yet again, we see Renton and Sick Boy on a money making plot, alongside Begbie hearing about Renton's return, and not being happy. I love Spud's character, and again he is sweet and lovable despite his addiction problems.
The film is filled with flashbacks to the original, and I feel it's imperative to have seen Trainspotting first, as the old footage is so powerful in the storytelling. Again Boyle's use of this footage is a brilliant tool in the making of the film. The footage also helps with realising where the characters are now, and why they may act in certain ways. There are also scenes where the psychedelic way they are filmed just adds so much to the story; not least in the final clip. This film is a credit to him.
The film also introduces a female lead, Veronika, played by Anjela Nedyalkova. I loved her addition to the story, and also I loved the presence of a female in her role, and the sense of justice (NO SPOILERS!). Alongside this, I liked the answers the film gave (NO SPOILERS!).
I feel like the original film was more revolutionary, and as I mentioned, when I watched it the other week, it felt so relevant and current, which I feel this new film may lack slightly. However, the humour it brings is great, alongside the new soundtrack (which had a lot to live up to). The introduction of Born Slippy is so powerful in the scenes where it is used, and I also really appreciated the use of local artists, like Young Fathers, and the support the film has given them.
Overall, T2 Trainspotting doesn't quite hit the mark of it's predecessor, but that doesn't mean by any stretch of the imagination that it's a bad film. For me, the film is a solid 8.5/10, a great watch for those who love the original, but this time with a little comic relief added to every grim situation, alongside the classic whiff of nostalgia.
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